Favorite Hymns - Fairest Lord Jesus

I started this series of my five favorite hymns with Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts (links to my post). It is fitting, then, IMO, that I end with Fairest Lord Jesus (links to Cyberhymnal), which I see as something of a modern version of Jesus Thou Joy of Loving Hearts (links to Cyberhymnal). Both hymns remind us that for all the beauty of this world, we are not truly fulfilled until we find our rest in Jesus.

Fairest Lord Jesus (links to history of the hymn) is sometimes called the Crusader's Hymn, as one legend says it was sung by Germans who went on the crusades. Most histories say it is better to associate the hymn with followers of John Hus. If this is correct, it is ironic then that Jesuits found and published the hymn in the 1600's.

Unlike the other hymns I have included in this series, we still sing this hymn occassionally. It has been updated with a modern arrangement, but the words are basically unchanged.

As this Lord's day comes to a close, a beautiful day here in central Indiana, this hymn seems especially appropriate, even if it isn't spring:

Fairest Lord Jesus:

Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature,
O Thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul’s glory, joy and crown.

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast.

Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
Now and forever more be Thine.